Guides / Decision guide
Plan the installation scope before comparing totals
Define opening assessment, water management, trim, safety, lead-safe work, cleanup, documentation, and closeout responsibilities.
What is not established
- This guide does not prescribe insert, full-frame, or another installation method.
- Concealed conditions, code, permits, credential requirements, and lead-safe applicability require project-specific review.
- The local collection does not establish local availability, approval, service coverage, or project suitability.
Ask for a scope by stage
- Assessment: opening condition, measurements, water history, access, and unresolved investigation
- Preparation: protection, permits, lead-safe responsibilities, delivery, storage, and site readiness
- Removal and opening work: what remains, what is removed, and how concealed damage or changes are approved
- Installation: manufacturer instructions, water management, flashing, air sealing, insulation, fastening, trim, finishes, and safety details
- Closeout: cleanup, labels, unit identifiers, care, warranty documents, inspections, punch list, and correction contact
For pre-1978 housing, ask how the project party determines whether federal, state, or local lead-safe requirements apply. Do not rely on a product seller page for that determination.
EPA consumer guidance supports an explicit lead-safe planning branch. FTC guidance supports written scope, estimates, contract review, credential checks, and retained records.
Sources: EPA RRP consumer guidance; FTC home-improvement consumer guidance
Sources
External references are provided for research context. A source link does not indicate enrollment, endorsement, or availability in your area.
- EPA RRP consumer guidance, accessed
- FTC home-improvement consumer guidance, accessed